LaLiga Tour: Alimi delighted to make NPFL All Stars team

By Akeem Lawal

Kano Pillars defender, Jamiu Alimi is delighted to be among the 35 players shortlisted by the League Management Company (LMC) for further screening to make up the 22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) All Stars squad for the NPFL-LaLiga Tour coming up in August.

The former Sharks Football Club and Shooting Stars of Ibadan defender, who noted that it is a privilege to be counted among the best in the elite division, promised to be good ambassador of the league if he eventually makes the final squad.

"Good evening guys. I'm delighted to announce that I have been selected to the @LMCNPFL team that will train ahead of the LaLiga tour," the Super Eagles player said via his official Twitter handle, @JamiuAlimi6.

"It's a great privilege to be counted among the best in this competitive league with abundant talents.

"I'm honoured. I'm dedicating the invitation to all Kano Pillars fans and my fans world-wide. My team mates and my coaches at Pillars.

"I promise to be a good ambassador of the league if I make the final squad. I will work hard and contribute to the team. Excited tonight.

"Kudos to the Nigerian media for their support and constructive criticism that help my game improve. I love you all," the center-back said.

The 35 man-list is made up of four goalkeepers, eight defenders, three defensive midfielders, seven central midfielders, seven wingers and six centre forwards.

The Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar in a letter, directed the invited players to report for the first phase of camping that will open on July 11 and end on the 18th.

The letter said the players during the period will be released to play for their clubs in League and Federation Cup fixtures. The second and final phase of the camping will open on August 1 leading to the team’s departure on August 8.

The squad was selected by a poll of Coaches of the NPFL carried out to pick players for the different positions.

The NPFL All Stars will while in Spain play a pre-season friendly with Valencia CF and also participate in the annual Carranza LaLiga World Club Tournament in which they will play against Malaga CF on August 12 and 13.